Just to keep this tactical, what do you think of the police department's actions? By closing the mall and not permitting any one in or out, a hostage sitation could have ensued. I'm not saying that they should just let the home invaders go, but public safety needs to be a consideration. If the bad guys were cornered and a fire fight ensued, there could easily been some collateral damage. Eventually they forced everyone to leave, but that was a few hours into the ordeal.

That mall happens to have a Bass Pro Shop. Imagine if the bad guys went in there! The would have practically limitless ammo.

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The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!